WATCH: Residents blasting noisy bird cannons

SUMMERLAND, B.C. — It’s supposed to protect the crops, but some Summerland residents complain one farmer’s cannon is doing more than just disturbing birds.

Les Mullin says a neighbouring farmer’s bird cannon is louder than most.

“It’s very frustrating. I wear earplugs sometimes when I’m doing yard work just to take the edge off,” he adds.

Nhar Sidhu is the owner of the propane cannon.

He believes the instrument is necessary in order to save his grape harvest.

Sidhu also says the cannon is only turned on in the mornings and late afternoons.

But Mullin says that’s too often and is contemplating filing a complaint with the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB), but says the paperwork is a problem.

“It costs $100 to register the complaint and it takes about six months to hear the process,” Mullin explains.

BCFIRB says depending on the case, some investigations can take up to half a year.

Sidhu says he has issued an open invitation to his neighbours to discuss their concerns.